Ototoxicity 101: Identification and Monitoring
⏱️ 30 min | Learn to identify, monitor, and mitigate drug-induced ototoxicity with practical screening protocols and pharmacological insights.
CE INFO: IHS 0.5H; AHIP 0.5H; CAA 0.5H; SAC 0.5H
COURSE ABSTRACT:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of drug-induced ototoxicity, a significant adverse effect that can impact individuals of all ages. The course identifies medications most commonly associated with ototoxicity, including aminoglycoside antibiotics, platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents, loop diuretics, and analgesics. The course then reviews the mechanisms of ototoxicity, risk factors, and practical mitigation strategies. Furthermore, the course equips hearing care professionals with essential screening protocols, including baseline testing, high-frequency audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and threshold monitoring, to effectively identify and manage ototoxicity. The course emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and aims to enhance patient safety and quality of life by providing practical tools for early detection and intervention.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
- Identify medications and drug classes most commonly associated with ototoxicity and describe their mechanisms of action.
- Implement effective screening protocols for ototoxicity, including baseline testing, high-frequency audiometry, and otoacoustic emissions.
- Develop strategies to mitigate the risk of drug-induced ototoxicity through interprofessional collaboration and patient education.
- Interpret audiometric and otoacoustic emission data to identify significant changes indicative of ototoxicity.
USE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION WITH:
INSTRUCTORS
Jen Dunkin graduated with her BScPharm from the University of Alberta. Since then, she has practiced pharmacy in a variety of settings across three provinces. In addition to several years of community, hospital and long-term care pharmacy practice, Jennifer has worked for both the University of Alberta and University of British Columbia as a faculty member, lecturer and facilitator. Jennifer also had the unique experience of being among the first Primary Care Network (PCN) pharmacists hired in Alberta and has been able to build from that experience developing the role of primary care pharmacists in BC. She has worked collaboratively with family physicians and numerous other health care providers to develop a variety of clinical programs. As a consultant pharmacist with a specialty in change management, Jen has provided practice change support to hundreds of pharmacists in British Columbia and across the country. Additional projects include online facilitation, continuing education development, health writing and conference speaking engagements.
INSTRUCTORS
Amy Trusler
Doctor of Audiology
My roots lie in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada, where I previously owned and operated my private hearing care practice. A big focus of my practice was working with First Nations communities, where I implemented a rural audiology care program. I also mentored other hearing care professionals and delivering lectures and presentations in the community. After selling my practice in 2019, I was drawn toward continuing education in hearing healthcare, with a focus on online and on-demand e-learning.
